RHS Campaign for School Gardening

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening inspires and supports schools to provide children with gardening opportunities to enhance their skills and boost their development. The direct benefits of gardening for children are wide ranging:Improves physical and mental well-being; Builds life skills such as confidence, teamwork and communication; Enhances literacy, numeracy and oracy skills; Enriches the entire curriculum from science, maths and geography, to art, design and languages; Encourages a better and healthier lifestyle; Teaches about the environment and sustainability; Helps young people engage with their surroundings better and develop a sense of responsibility.

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Plan your garden and think about which plants are the best for attracting local wildlife'

How does the project link to climate change and sustainability?

Gardens play a crucial role in our response to climate change and potentially will become even more important in the future as our climate changes. They provide us with local food, help to protect us against flooding and extremes of temperature, whilst supporting wildlife and help gardeners to be healthy. Gardens can provide an amazing range of benefits and pupils who learn how to grow will be equipped with green skills for life. They will learn about the importance of sustainability and caring for nature, and put this knowledge into practice.

Who is involved?

The scheme is accessible to all ages and abilities, urban and rural areas, and is open to all schools, community groups and educational groups in the UK.

How are the participants involved?

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening has an awards scheme with five easy steps for schools to follow. Whether you are just starting out in your garden or looking to develop an existing area, the School Gardening Awards can help. Each level is easy to achieve by submitting a few words and photos via our website. Each successfully completed level is awarded with a certificate and brilliant reward worth up to £200!

Level 1 is about planning your gardening project and identifying the benefits to your school or group. By Level 2 you should be beginning to grow plants and use tools safely, and understand basic gardening terms. Level 3 is about building on practical skills, growing a range of plants and understanding environmental issues. At Level 4 you should be using tools professionally, growing and harvesting produce throughout the year, and beginning to fundraise for the garden. At the final Level 5, you should be sharing the garden with your local community and passing on skills to others. You should also be using the garden to teach curriculum subjects.

Key steps

1.   Receive a free welcome pack containing seeds, plant labels, stickers, posters and more
2.   Receive great rewards, certificates and support as you progress through the School Gardening Awards
3.   Gain access to free, downloadable resources including information sheets, practical activities and lesson plans to help you make the most of your school garden
4.   Discover our programme of school gardening training courses designed to give you the confidence to create learning experiences that impact children’s achievement, health and well-being
5.   Take part in our competitions for a chance to win great gardening prizes
6.   Receive regular newsletters containing the latest news, offers and advice
7.   Read our School Stories and get inspiration from what other schools are doing their garden
8.   Log in and find news, training courses and information in your local area